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Everything about the guinea pig and its acquisition
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a guinea pig as a pet? They are sweet little creatures that will quickly capture a place in your heart. In this article, we will tell you everything about what it's like to have a guinea pig and how to take care of one. All the information you need can be found here, so let's get started and learn all about guinea pigs!
Guinea Pig Facts:
Guinea pigs are believed to originate from the Andes in South America. Initially kept for their meat and fur, they were increasingly kept as pets when they were brought to North America and Europe in the 16th century.
Guinea pigs can weigh between 700g and 1.2kg and grow between 8 and 16 centimeters long. They typically live for at least 4 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 8 years. The fur colors of guinea pigs are highly varied and all fall into the categories of black, brown, or white. Other unique fur colors and lengths include tricolor, tortoiseshell, white tortoiseshell, agouti, Japanese, pied, American crested, long-haired, brindle, dalmatian, Dutch, and completely hairless!
Female guinea pigs come into heat every 14 to 18 days, provided they are not pregnant. If a female is pregnant, it takes 68 days for 2 to 4 young to be born. Guinea pigs differ from other rodents in that they are fully grown at birth. Guinea pigs are larger than rats but smaller than rabbits and also lack a tai
Are Guinea Pigs Good Pets?
If you choose to keep a guinea pig, you'll find that they are social animals. Not only do they enjoy having a housemate, but they also thrive on interaction with their human and will eagerly approach a hand placed in their cage. When socialized at a young age, they are more likely to be easygoing and enjoy playing with humans.
Guinea pigs have peculiar sleep patterns that are difficult to predict. As prey animals, they have the instinct to take short naps intermittently, sometimes not even closing their eyes to sleep. They are most active at dawn and dusk, but you'll likely see your guinea pig active most of the time, day and night.
You might be surprised to learn that guinea pigs require daily attention and feeding, unlike smaller rodents (such as hamsters) that can be left alone for a few days at a time. To keep a guinea pig as healthy as possible, they should spend some time outside of their cage every day. This gives them a chance to bond with you and stretch their legs.
Guinea pigs also need daily fresh food, hay, fruits, and vegetables, as well as water. They will show their appreciation for your feeding efforts with lots of adorable squeaks
Can Guinea Pigs Coexist with Dogs and Cats?
If you already have a dog or a cat, think carefully before getting a guinea pig. Do you have a cage or an outdoor enclosure for guinea pigs where dogs and cats cannot access? Your dog or cat may be the friendliest animal in the world, but guinea pigs are prey animals for many other species, and they are therefore fearful of larger animals. Even the scent and behavior of a small cat can make a guinea pig anxious, even if the animal just wants to play and means no harm.
It's possible that cats, dogs, and guinea pigs may tolerate each other's company. However, any form of contact should be monitored throughout their lives. Guinea pigs move quickly, and it's not the fault of a dog or cat if they instinctively chase after them. Even a paw on the guinea pig to stop it can seriously injure the animal. Therefore, always ensure that you can intervene if necessary.
If you really want to have guinea pigs but already have a dog or a cat, it's challenging to keep these animals separated. For this, you'll need a warm and well-insulated cage or a separate room where your dog or cat cannot access. Larger animals, especially cats, are often very interested in guinea pigs and may spend hours near the guinea pig cage, curiously looking inside. This can cause a lot of stress for guinea pigs, and to keep them healthy and happy, this should be avoided.
Where Can I Buy a Guinea Pig?
Guinea pigs are likely to be found in any major pet store near you. You can also check with your local animal shelter or adoption agency. The internet can also help you find your next guinea pig through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Marktplaats, Google, or similar websites.
How much does it cost to own a guinea pig?
The costs of acquiring a guinea pig will be higher than the monthly expenses of caring for it. You can expect to spend around 100 to 200 euros on a guinea pig cage, food bowls, food, toys, bedding, and for the animal itself. Afterward, you can expect to spend approximately 20 to 30 euros per month on food and bedding. Of course, these costs will increase each month as you have more guinea pigs. If you need to take your guinea pig to the vet (at least once a year or for an illness), each visit costs about 40 euros.
What kind of housing does my guinea pig need?
Guinea pigs are larger rodents and therefore require a much larger living space than a mouse or rat. The minimum size of a cage with 2 guinea pigs is about 120 cm wide and 55 cm deep, or if absolutely necessary, 100 x 50 cm (but only for a maximum of 2 guinea pigs). For each additional guinea pig, you should add 30 cm. Thus, a cage should be at least 160 x 55 cm (or 140 x 75 cm) for 4 guinea pigs. You can also connect a small cage to a fixed outdoor run, in which case the size of the cage no longer matters.
The cage itself can be made of wire, glass, or sturdy plastic. However, the bottom of the cage should be solid, not wire. The reason for this is that guinea pigs in cages with a wire bottom can develop problems with their feet and even suffer broken legs if their feet get caught between the wires and they attempt to escape hastily.
Place the cage in a location where there is a normal day-night rhythm and keep it away from bedrooms to avoid disturbing your sleep. Also, make sure that your guinea pig's cage is not in a drafty area; the ideal temperature is between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius.
As for the contents of the cage, you will need the following:
- Bedding made of paper (preferred) or wood (avoid cedar)
- Food bowl
- Water bottle or heavy water dish
- Hideout (such as a small box or plastic house)
- Toys
- Wooden and mineral chews
What should I feed my guinea pig?
The digestive system of rabbits and many rodents is very sensitive. Stress and stagnant intestines can cause gas. Therefore, it is important that your pet continues to eat regularly to keep the intestines working. If your pet stops eating, it could have various causes, so it is wise to consult a veterinarian.
Always monitor your pet's stool. If the droppings are soft and watery (not to be confused with cecal pellets) or if there is even diarrhea present, this could be related to diet or a change in diet. However, the issue could also have another cause. A probiotic such as Zoolac can help restore balance to the gut flora. If this does not have any effect, it is advisable to seek help from a veterinarian.